Summer Program Has Begun!!!

This weekend we kicked off what we hope will be another exciting summer. We are in a new school in Wyoming County, Huff Consolidated in Hanover, in a new part of the county. We are still ironing out some of the kinks like how to direct incoming volunteers to a specific door upon arrival (there has to be at least 7 doors into the school!) but so far our new home seems to be suiting us well. Volunteers will certainly get their exercise since the school is rather sprawling. But with all the PVs now arrived for the week, it already feels like home.

We spent yesterday, Community Day, first taking the long drive to Mass in Pineville and then playing some fun community get to know you games. After a little break we gathered with our newest PVs for an orientation to the area and the program. The whole group then feasted on a wonderful meal of burgers, veggie burgers and all the fixings. After dinner the whole group gathered once again for a reorientation.  We closed the evening with our traditional Commissioning Service, connecting us all as we begin our service.

I will be posting each day, with pictures on Saturdays, so everyone at home can follow along each week. We are experiencing some technical difficulties with our computers so some of the posts might be a little late, but just hold tight and it will be updated.

June Volunteer Reflection

In our June PV Newsletter we included a reflection written by one our volunteers and board member, Joanne Camas.  In case you miss it, here is her reflection on her experiences as a PV.

“IT’S BETTER TO LIGHT A CANDLE THAN TO CURSE THE DARKNESS”

Watching the TV news, it’s easy to curse the darkness. We see the worst in people, magnified, and the sensational trumps the hidden heartfelt stories of personal kindness.

For me, working with the PVs is a way to light candles. We let in a little hope, a little kindness, a little dignity where it’s been absent. In return, we receive light back: Sometimes that makes us feel happy that we’ve helped, but other times the light shines on the parts of us that tend to judge or label. And there’s a place for both kinds of light.

I read a powerful quote today about the force of poverty, written by someone who has lived it:

“Poverty breeds stress. Stress destroys one’s body, and sickness is expensive. More expenses, more doctor bills, more poverty. Poverty sucks, but what it sucks is the very life out of one’s soul. Poverty steals our expectations. Poverty pushes us to desperation.”

—Gayle B. Tate

Each summer we offer hope and a sign that people do care. We patch walls and replace roofs, but we listen too. I find these conversations often stay with me throughout the year. When I get frustrated with the challenges of life, I remember strangers who quickly became friends, opening up to me in their homes and sharing the sadness and struggles they’ve faced.

Our sons have grown up as PVs, and for me that’s been the best part of the experience. They look at the world differently, and they’ve seen that we can change the world, even if it’s by lighting one candle at a time.

5 Days until the Live with Passion!

We are gearing up for the final push!  The fourth annual Live with Passion is just a few days away.  We hope you will be joining us for the spectacular weekend in support of the PV Volunteers.

April Volunteer Reflection

In our April PV Newsletter we included a reflection written by one of our long time volunteers, Daniel Schletzbaum.  In case you miss it, here is his reflection on what it means to him to be a PV.

Be a Part of it..

I recently went to WV with my daughter, Mary and her college friend, Rebecca, to be a part of the spring break trip. When we arrived in WV, we were welcomed by Jill and Jenny and the Holy Cross College group from MA. This time, like all the other times I have volunteered in WV, the people  I met while I was there are all very special treasures. The college students were all so eager to help the people of WV in any way they could. The week we were there together, we helped the teachers at head start, we helped Debbie rearrange St. Vincent DePaul and we worked in Hanover on a couple of homes that were affected by the flood of last spring. No matter what job we were asked to do, we were willing to be a part of it. 

Some people may ask what it means to “be a part of it”. For me, to “be a part of it”  means to share laughter, frustrations, and fellowship with all whom I encounter. 

By “being a part of it”  I think you receive a feeling that is not  achieved from your  routine life at home until you have experienced life as a PV.

I know it was a special privilege for me to be in WV over spring break to help me stay connected. But staying connected with the PVs can be done in many different ways. One way is to log in on the PV Blog. Or you could be involved  by taking part in fundraisers which help support our PV program. This coming summer will be another special time in the lives of  PVs when we move to a new location. There will be ups and downs, tears and laughter,  but there will be many special feelings that can only come by” BEING A PART OF IT”.

Daniel Schletzbaum

LWP is just around the corner

Don't forget to check out our Live with Passion blog for all the latest event updates.

PV Live with Passion Blog

Busy Weekend

This past weekend was a busy one in PV-land.  On Saturday 13 PVs converged in Emerson, NJ for the annual meeting of the PV Steering Committee.  This group of committed volunteers takes the time to go over the results of the evaluations and reunions and helps guide the program into the future.  Many lively discussions were had, new ideas were tossed around and plans were set in place. As a group they affirmed the mission and direction of the program and provided some additional guidance to us, as we move forward as a program. Many thanks to all who came.

On Sunday we had our spring PV Board Meeting, also in Emerson. The Board was updated on the current status of the program, given an update on our grant writing from our grant writer and discussed the importance and need for additional fundraising.  Thank you to all who participated whether by phone or being present.

Also, a HUGE thank you to the Kraytems for hosting the weekend. Their willingness to open up their home to the PVs (and feed us!) is a huge help to us.

After the Board Meeting we headed into Brooklyn to meet up for dinner with the young women from WEB (Womens Empowerment Brooklyn.)  It was wonderful to see them all and to catch up on their lives.  An especially good highlight was seeing Marilyn's 5 month old baby.

Our five week road trip has concluded and we are now back in our homes. It was really an amazing five weeks.  We covered 19 states, drove over 5,000 miles, spent time with numerous PVs and created an amazing amount of memories. THANK YOU!!!

PVs Awarded Another Grant!

We are pleased to announce that the PV program has received a $20,000 grant from the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation based in Pittsburgh.  This grant will be put to good use this summer in West Virginia.